A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dubai vs. Mexico City for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Dubai or Mexico City?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dubai and Mexico City can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a opulent, modern, and glamorous city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Dubai attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food. See Dubai travel costs.

Mexico City

Mexico City is a vibrant, dynamic, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Mexico City travel costs.

Dubai and Mexico City: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Mexico City?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dubai than Mexico City. While Mexico City is larger than Dubai, Dubai has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dubai is very popular for its skiing, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty, while Mexico City attracts visitors for its museums and attractions, food, and historical sights. Dubai is more touristy than Mexico City and is known for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also well known for Burj Khalifa. Mexico City is famous for its vibrant street food scene, colorful markets, and historic architecture.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Mexico City?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mexico City and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a decent place to visit for skiing and snowboarding. However, Mexico City is not a skiing destination.

While in the area, visitors like to go to Dubai for snow skiing. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Mexico City is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Mexico City?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mexico City has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with historic buildings, fascinating museums, and interesting landmarks. At the heart of the city is Zócalo, where the country's constitution was signed. Nearby you'll find the National Palace, the Metropolitan Cathedral, and the Templo Mayor. Other interesting museums in the city include the National Museum of Anthropology, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the National History Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dubai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Is the Food Better in Dubai or Mexico City? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Mexico City is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Mexico City has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city food scene is as diverse as the population itself. There are countless ways to experience the amazing street food, but there are also world class chefs working in award winning restaurants. Make sure you try the chilaquiles, tacos al pastor, and chiles en nogada.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find world-class options in both Dubai and Mexico City.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The nightlife in Mexico City is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's a huge city, so of course there's no shortage of diverse nightlife activities. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for nightlife include the downtown, La Condesa, and Colonia Juárez. For upscale clubs head to Polanco and for trendy and eclectic venues check out Roma.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Music?

Dubai is very popular for its music scene. However, Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Dubai has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Mexico City is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Resorts?

Dubai is very popular for its luxury resorts. However, Mexico City is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Dubai is a great choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Mexico City is not a resort destination.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubai has a few good snorkeling spots. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Mexico City is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Beaches?

Dubai is a popular place for the beach. However, Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Dubai is a good option for a beach vacation. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Mexico City is not a beach destination.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for its Old Town?

Mexico City is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Mexico City has an old town worth visiting. Centro Historico spreads out from Zócalo Plaza, and has many buildings that date back as far as the Aztec period. Many tourists gather here to explore the history and wander down the pedestrian-only Calle Madero.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Mexico City?

If you're looking to go shopping, Dubai and Mexico City both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Dubai specifically to go shopping. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Mexico City is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has everything from open-air bazaars (tianguis) to modern shopping malls. There are international brands as well as local art galleries, handicrafts, and retail outlets.

Is Dubai or Mexico City More Beautiful?

Dubai is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Dubai attracts visitors from all around. With its many skyscrapers and high end resorts, this is a beautiful city to visit.

Mexico City is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Dubai or Mexico City.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Dubai. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Mexico City is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a huge city, so there are enough diverse activities to keep everyone entertained. There's even a Six Flags. Popular museums for kids include Papalote Museo del Niño and Museo de Geología. There's also the Acuario Inbursa, and make sure you check out a Lucha Libre show.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Couples?

Both Dubai and Mexico City are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Dubai is a good city for couples to visit. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Mexico City is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with parks where you can enjoy a picnic, museums that are fascinating to walk through, and cultural activities that are one-of-a-kind. You can ride on a gondola in Xochimilco or spend the day exploring the amazing food scene.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mexico City is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Mexico City. It's a big city with a wonderful atmosphere and many hostels. Backpackers who want to experience the culture, food, and personality of Mexico will love a visit here.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Students?

Dubai is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Mexico City is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Dubai. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Mexico City is very popular with students. International students love the art, architecture, food, and culture that this colorful city has to offer.

Is Dubai or Mexico City Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Mexico City is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Mexico City offers a very effecient public transportation network. The city has a complex and comprehensive public transit system that includes a metro, metrobus, and local buses.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Mexico City a more walkable city?

Dubai and Mexico City are reasonable when it comes to walkability.

Dubai is generally not a very walkable city. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

Mexico City is generally not very walkable. While you can walk within many neighborhoods, such as the historic city center, it's impossible to walk between neighborhoods and in many parts of the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Mexico City Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mexico City or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Mexico City?

In either Dubai or Mexico City, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than Mexico City because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Mexico City.

Families should spend more time in Dubai than Mexico City. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Dubai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Dubai than Mexico City. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Dubai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mexico City than Dubai if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Mexico City.

One day in Dubai or Mexico City?

Dubai is a glamorous city where you can fill many days. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Mexico City, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural big city offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dubai or Mexico City?

Dubai is a modern big city where you can fill many days. It's also a relaxing resort destination. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mexico City. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dubai or Mexico City?

Dubai is a modern city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Mexico City is a fun place to experience. In Mexico City, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this big city destination offers. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dubai or Mexico City?

Dubai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse big city of Mexico City. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Arab Emirates, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Arab Emirates, The Best 2-Week Tours in Mexico, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Mexico.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dubai and Mexico City, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Mexico City much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Mexico City is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Mexico City would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Mexico City and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Mexico City.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dubai Expensive? and Is Mexico City Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Mexico City?

Mexico City has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dubai. When comparing the sizes of Dubai and Mexico City, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.